RELIGIOUS leaders yesterday criticised an NHS director who called for the regulation of brothels to combat the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Professor John Ashton, regional director of public health for the NHS North West, made the comment after figures released last week showed a sharp rise in cases of gonorrhoea.

Prof Ashton's advice also made it clear that monogamous sexual relationships were the safest way to avoid diseases, and that men should always use condoms if they were having sex with more than one person.

But religious leaders said it was dangerous for state institutions to offer advice which may legitimise prostitution.

Joan Gettins, president of the National Board of Catholic Women, said: "The NBCW does not agree with Professor Ashton's health advice concerning the regulation of prostitution.

"It might have a short-term marginal effect on the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases but would do nothing for the longterm wellbeing of women."

A Church of England spokesman said: "We are pleased that Professor Ashton lists monogamy as his first piece of advice on how to avoid STDs.

"But the regulation of prostitution is pragmatic and the problem with such advice is the signals it sends out.

"It may send out a signal that going to massage parlours and using prostitutes is no different to going to Blockbusters to rent a video, but of course it is very different.

"Prostitution is against the teachings of the Church."

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain said: "The increased levels of sexually transmitted diseases has come about because casual sex is regarded by many people as normal and acceptable.

"To say you must wear condoms and all prostitutes must be regularly checked and vetted is to tackle the symptom instead of the cause."